With our population trending older every year and multi-family homes becoming more of a need in our society, designing with living in place in mind is more important than ever. Creating living spaces that include subtle design choices for safety and accessibility allow us to live longer in our homes, and can have a profound impact on how comfortably we can stay in that space.
And let’s face it, home is where we want to stay.
Becoming a Certified Living In Place Professional (CLIPP) has fundamentally changed the way I approach interior design with my clients. The Living in Place Institute endorses inclusive design, and guides me in our firm’s mission to create spaces that are not only beautiful, but safe, accessible and functional.
Let’s consider a bath remodel from an inclusive design perspective. The primary feature for a safe bath are strategically placed grab bars. But beyond that did you know there’s so much more you can do to create a safe and comfortable bathroom? Below are some of my favorite products for a Living in Place bathroom.
Open Console Vanity
Open console vanities are a beautiful and stylish look that accommodate wheelchairs if needed. Available in 4 different colors, this 48 inch console sink designed by Italian manufacturer Scarabeo is a great contemporary sink option to give you ease of movement in your bathroom for all mobility levels.
Touch Free Faucets
Touch free faucets aren’t just for the kitchen anymore! For those suffering from arthritis, it’s a useful option to have. It’s also great for small children and hands with a little too much lotion on them. The Delta Touch2O.xt is my favorite product for this as it provides three different ways to operate it: manually with the handle, with a simple touch anywhere on the spout or faucet handle, or by placing your hands near the faucet.
Textured Floor Tile
One of my favorite innovations in safe design is the simple addition of textured floor tile to avoid slipping. A textured mat in the tub is sometimes not enough to avoid falls in the bathroom. I’m in love with these gorgeous options available from Tilebar.
Shower Benches
Who doesn’t enjoy the idea of a great shower bench? Whether a built-in seat, a fold-down option or a freestanding one, having a bench is as lovely as it is useful when experiencing limitations in mobility. These options from MTI Bath may just be what your shower needs!
Adjustable Lighting
Adjustable lighting is a wonderful addition to the bathroom, and allows everyone in the space to cater to their needs. Lower lighting for those with migraines and other sensory issues, and a more bright light option for those who are visually impaired. Robern Cabinetry offers their line of bath medicine cabinets with adjustable lighting incorporated into their mirrored doors to help you find the setting that is just right.
For anyone looking to really live with dignity and confidence, the Living In Place Institute is a great place to start looking for a design professional to make your bathrooms safer and more functional. Or… just call us!
CONSULTATION PACKAGES
Julie and her team have a passion for creating beautiful, engaging and functional spaces, focusing on both the physical as well as the emotional well being of your environment. Click on the links below for package details:
A design collaboration done between client and designer done entirely online. Purchase the package below, submit photos of the space and existing furnishings you like to see incorporated in the design and a sketch of the space with measurements.
Need some assistance in selecting paint finishes for your home? A design collaboration done between client and designer done entirely online. Purchase the package below, submit photos of the space and and fabrics.
Whether it is directing the flow of chi through the arrangement of furnishings, design or colors; Julie and her team can help you to create the spaces that support your vision of a balanced life, rich in the areas that matter to you.
There is no second chance to make a good first impression. When the time comes to sell or rent your home, ease the transition and maximize return by helping your home look its very best.
Comentários